I have an Icom R-75 and a Drake R8. Personally, I prefer the R-75 for ECSS MW DX and general nightime DX. But, for daytime DX, the Drake R8 is a little more sensitive.

One thing to watch with older Drake R8 receivers are the band switching diodes. They can get zapped. Mine has the zapped diodes I think, as powerful distant MW skywave signals pop up where they don't belong. For example, the NYC 50 KWers like WCBS, WABC etc. will pop up on LW and the lower reaches of the SW spectrum. Keep in mind that NYC is 700 crows flies miles from me. No other receiver has this problem, thus tending to rule out antenna issues.

So, for those wanting an R8, keep in mind that you may need to send it to Drake in Ohio or Drake Canada in Ontario for a "tune up". I never bothered as I have so many receivers!